Learn how to do anything: How to Make Pomegranate Seltzer

Saturday, May 20, 2017

How to Make Pomegranate Seltzer

The refreshing pop of carbonation is a nice addition to the sweet yet tart flavor of pomegranate.^[1] It’s a good thing making a pomegranate seltzer drink at home is relatively easy to do. The classic pomegranate seltzer won’t take more than a few minutes. For a twist on this seltzer beverage, try a cranberry pomegranate seltzer. Should you want the freshest flavor, make these recipes with freshly juiced pomegranate seeds.

EditIngredients

EditSparkling Pomegranate

Pomegranate juice (with no sugar added)
Seltzer water (or similar carbonated water)
Sugar
Lemon wedges
Ice

EditCranberry Pomegranate Seltzer

100% cranberry juice (unsweetened)
100% pomegranate juice (unsweetened)
Simple syrup
Seltzer water
Lime wedges
Ice

EditSteps

EditMixing up a Sparkling Pomegranate Drink

Mix the pomegranate juice and seltzer in equal parts. In a large pitcher, punch bowl, or similar container, mix the pomegranate juice and seltzer water in equal parts. Stir sugar into the mixture with a wooden spoon until your desired level of sweetness is achieved and the sugar completely dissolved.^[2]
Serve your pomegranate seltzer over ice. Fill a glass with ice. Pour your pomegranate seltzer mixture over the ice. Take a lemon wedge and squeeze its juice into the mixture. Stir the mixture with a spoon or a straw to distribute the lemon juice and enjoy.^[3]
Store your pomegranate seltzer in the refrigerator. The carbonation (bubbliness) of your mixture will last longer if you store it in an airtight container. Pour your mixture into such a container, and store it in your refrigerator for several days.^[4]

EditPreparing a Cranberry Pomegranate Seltzer

Combine your juice, seltzer, and simple syrup. In a large pitcher or similar container, mix your seltzer water and juices in a 4 to 1 ratio. For example, for every 4 oz (118 ml) of seltzer, use 1 oz (30 ml) of each juice. When you reach your desired amount, taste the mixture and add simple syrup to sweeten the beverage.
- Use a wooden spoon to stir in the simple syrup. Failing to do so can cause the simple syrup to collect around the bottom of the mixture.^[5]
Add a squeeze of lime to your cranberry pomegranate mixture. When serving your cranberry pomegranate seltzer, pour the mixture into a glass filled with ice. Squeeze a lime wedge into the glass and give the mixture a stir to spread the citrus flavor throughout the drink.^[6]
Keep extra seltzer drink in the refrigerator. Transfer the mixture to an airtight container to prevent the bubbliness from dissipating too rapidly. Store your seltzer beverage for several days in the refrigerator.^[7]

EditJuicing Pomegranate Seeds

Cut open the pomegranate. At the top and bottom of the pomegranate, the rind thickens and can be cut away. Remove the rind until you see the red seeds inside the pomegranate. Then cut the pomegranate into wedges.^[8]
- Pomegranate juice is bright red. It tends to stain things, so be careful when handling it. You may want to wear an apron and gloves while doing this.
- Clean juice that’s gotten onto counters and other kitchen surfaces immediately with soapy water to prevent stains from forming.^[9]
Insert the pomegranate into a bowl filled with water. Take a large bowl and fill it with water. Your bowl should be large enough to accommodate all of the pomegranate wedges. Put the wedges into the water. Remove any large pieces of rind that float free.^[10]
Separate the seeds from the rind. The rind of the pomegranate floats in water, but seeds sink to the bottom. Use your clean hands to knock seeds from the rind into the bottom of the bowl. Pick rind out of the water. Do this until all rind has been removed.^[11]
Pulse the seeds in a blender. Drain the water from your bowl of seeds. Transfer your seeds to a blender. Close the blender and pulse it no more than a few times. Blending the seeds for too long will cause your juice to become cloudy.^[12]
Strain the juice into an airtight container. Position a fine mesh strainer over an airtight container. Pour your seeds from your blender through the mesh strainer and into the airtight container.
- After the juice has drained, use a wooden spoon to press the pulp into the mesh to release juice trapped inside the pulp.^[13]
Store your juice in a refrigerator. Refrigerated, your juice should stay good for several days. Add your juice to seltzer water for a refreshing drink. Drizzle some pomegranate juice on spring salads to add a refreshing tartness to them.^[14]